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Cheapest ever HTPC that's decent. Proud of myself. - Page 5

post #121 of 839
4/13/12 at 4:46pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Joeforsale View Post

Anyone ever use ECS motherboard? They have an Intel H61 socket 1155 for $34.99 after MIR with $2.99 shipping.

Sorry I'm an idiot, same board as mentioned earlier.
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post #122 of 839
4/13/12 at 4:50pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by Joeforsale View Post

Sorry I'm an idiot, same board as mentioned earlier.

I almost said something



Quote:
Originally Posted by assassin View Post

Agreed. Just trying to keep with the theme of the cheapest parts possible.

so a $37 CPU (plus shipping which in my case was $7) + 35 MOBO + $13 for single stick of 4GB DDR3.

Now we need an optical (perhaps we don't)

We need an OS drive

Case + PSU

Where is the deals at?
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post #123 of 839
4/13/12 at 5:00pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Mfusick View Post

Case + PSU

How about a slightly-used Rosewill RS-MI-BK for $29.99? It comes with a 250W PSU I am guessing your mobo is not mini-ITX though.
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post #124 of 839
4/13/12 at 5:00pm
Hec Black MicroAtx form HTPC case with 300W power supply included.
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post #125 of 839
4/13/12 at 5:04pm
Is RAM with a heat sink preferred, such as this from Micro Center? It’s about the same price as the G.Skill from Newegg, but it’s a store brand, if that makes any difference.

http://www.microcenter.com/single_pr...uct_id=0353218
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post #126 of 839
4/13/12 at 5:09pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by Mike99 View Post

Is RAM with a heat sink preferred, such as this from Micro Center? It’s about the same price as the G.Skill from Newegg, but it’s a store brand, if that makes any difference.

http://www.microcenter.com/single_pr...uct_id=0353218

No any ram will work..

One area I learned not to be cheap about is RAM.

Spend a couple bucks. Memory issues are a pain to diagnose and really mess up your PC bad.

Most cases you need a new OS because of damaged windows files.

I like G.Skill, Crucial and Mushkin for memory.

Everytime I get something else I regret it.

Most times the difference between crap brand and good brand is $5. Well worth 5$.
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post #127 of 839
4/13/12 at 5:16pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Joeforsale View Post

Hec Black MicroAtx form HTPC case with 300W power supply included.

Man I'm on a roll today: here's the rest of the info. Newegg for $59.99
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post #128 of 839
4/13/12 at 5:26pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Mfusick View Post

Case + PSU

Those were the next things on my mind too. I would like a case that sort of fits in with the horizontal style of the other A/V components. Is there any A/V style case that is cheap & easy to work with?

I've been reading some comments & reviews and these cases seem to be either cramped to work in or heat might be a problem or installing several PCIe cards might be a problem.

How about a cheap case that sort of looks like a Silverstone GD04? If a mini tower can be made for $39 then why not a horizontal version for $39?
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post #129 of 839
4/13/12 at 5:31pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Mike99 View Post

Those were the next things on my mind too. I would like a case that sort of fits in with the horizontal style of the other A/V components. Is there any A/V style case that is cheap & easy to work with?

I've been reading some comments & reviews and these cases seem to be either cramped to work in or heat might be a problem or installing several PCIe cards might be a problem.

How about a cheap case that sort of looks like a Silverstone GD04? If a mini tower can be made for $39 then why not a horizontal version for $39?

If you want an inexpensive case with a power supply this would work and it can be layed down so it looks like a component (horizontal):
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16811154062

A little more because it doesnt include a power supply but this is what I used and it looks great in my component rack:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16811204040
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post #130 of 839
4/13/12 at 5:46pm
BTW....heres a pic of my htpc (parts list in post #4...$275 total):
http://dcharbo1.smugmug.com/Other/HT...7726&k=zkJkFNZ

Also my Onkyo 608, JMLab center channel, Wii, cable box, UnRaid Server, and HTPC.
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post #131 of 839
4/13/12 at 5:54pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by Mike99 View Post

Those were the next things on my mind too. I would like a case that sort of fits in with the horizontal style of the other A/V components. Is there any A/V style case that is cheap & easy to work with?

I've been reading some comments & reviews and these cases seem to be either cramped to work in or heat might be a problem or installing several PCIe cards might be a problem.

How about a cheap case that sort of looks like a Silverstone GD04? If a mini tower can be made for $39 then why not a horizontal version for $39?

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...D=zlofx20z7irq

I just built a PC in this case and it came out nice.


Quote:
Originally Posted by Joeforsale View Post

Man I'm on a roll today: here's the rest of the info. Newegg for $59.99

I just got a case and 480watt psu for $29.

It's rather nice too. Sitting on floor next to me...

Mines half your price

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16811148046
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post #132 of 839
4/13/12 at 6:40pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Mfusick View Post


I just built a PC in this case and it came out nice.

I just got a case and 480watt psu for $29.

It's rather nice too. Sitting on floor next to me...

Mines half your price

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16811148046

That is a really good find. I was trying to keep it a horizontal setup. I have a Lian Li for the Xbox 360 that I really wish I could figure out how to convert to a pc case.
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post #133 of 839
4/14/12 at 7:56am
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by Joeforsale View Post

That is a really good find. I was trying to keep it a horizontal setup. I have a Lian Li for the Xbox 360 that I really wish I could figure out how to convert to a pc case.

Horizontal set ups are $10 more.

The apex for $37 is decent. I build a HTPC with that case last week.

Personally I hate the front bay for the optical drive with that stupid door. But hey... I never use it anyways,
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post #134 of 839
4/15/12 at 7:27am
Thread Starter 

Intel Celeron Dual-Core Processor G530 2.4GHz 2MB LGA1155 CPU, Retail - BX80623G530 37$ with code.
http://www.superbiiz.com/detail.php?name=G530BOX


http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813135288
ECS H61H2-M2(1.0) LGA 1155 Intel H61 HDMI Micro ATX Intel Motherboard
$34 AR

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16811148046
1 x ($29.99) Broadway Com Corp 1243MA-BLACK Glossy black Steel ATX Mini Tower Computer Case 500W Power Supply
$29.99 (Free shipping with Newegg business code)


http://www.tigerdirect.com/applicati...srkey=P33-5310
Patriot PG34G1333EL Gamer 2 Desktop Memory Module - 4GB, PC3-10666, DDR3-1333MHz, 9-9-9-24 CAS Latency, Intel XMP Ready $12.99

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16827106289
1 x ($17.99) LITE-ON DVD Burner - Bulk 24X DVD+R 8X DVD+RW 12X DVD+R DL 24X DVD-R 6X DVD-RW 16X DVD-ROM 48X CD-R 32X CD-RW 48X CD-ROM Black SATA Model iHAS124-04 - OEM (Free shipping)
$17.99

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16822145517
HITACHI Deskstar 7K80 HDS728080PLA380 - 0A30356 80GB 7200 RPM 8MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive -Bare Drive
With Free $19.99 Rosewill 3.5/2.5" HDD USB Dock - $34.99 Free Shipping


Total Cost $150 and it would work for any HTPC duties or normal PC duties without high energy use.

Flexible in that CPU could be upgraded, A stick of Ram added for 8GB, or an SSD upgrade could take place in future further making it perform better.

This one might be impossible to beat
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post #135 of 839
4/15/12 at 7:38am
Its interesting that when discussing the most inexpensive HTPC these are all Intel based builds.

I thought Intel is/was above and away the most expensive of the options???
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post #136 of 839
4/15/12 at 8:08am
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by assassin View Post

Its interesting that when discussing the most inexpensive HTPC these are all Intel based builds.

I thought Intel is/was above and away the most expensive of the options???

Well- Considering I can and just did assemble a $150 fully working HTPC based on Intel Sandy bridge that is both capable in performance and energywise, I see no reason to consider something else.

Sure I could have used an LGA775 or AM3 build where the CPU and Motherboard could possibly be cheaper- but in reality I get a slower less capable machine that uses more energy. Not for me.


I just don't see how even the biggest scrooge can't think a $150 Sandy bridge PC isn't a great value and cheap enough.

Personally I probably would give up the rebate and get the Asrock board with USB3.0 and Sata6G - but that's just me. I would also spend up another $35 to get a 60GB Vertex3 or a 64GB M4 for $70ish over the $35 80GB 7200rpm SATA3 HDD- too. The extra $50-60 there is clearly worth it IMO. But for a tight budget you certainly could keep the $35 HDD, and the lower priced motherboard and still have a fully capable and working HTPC.
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post #137 of 839
4/15/12 at 8:19am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Mfusick View Post

Well- Considering I can and just did assemble a $150 fully working HTPC based on Intel Sandy bridge that is both capable in performance and energywise, I see no reason to consider something else.

Sure I could have used an LGA775 or AM3 build where the CPU and Motherboard could possibly be cheaper- but in reality I get a slower less capable machine that uses more energy. Not for me.


I just don't see how even the biggest scrooge can't think a $150 Sandy bridge PC isn't a great value and cheap enough.

Personally I probably would give up the rebate and get the Asrock board with USB3.0 and Sata6G - but that's just me. I would also spend up another $35 to get a 60GB Vertex3 or a 64GB M4 for $70ish over the $35 80GB 7200rpm SATA3 HDD- too. The extra $50-60 there is clearly worth it IMO. But for a tight budget you certainly could keep the $35 HDD, and the lower priced motherboard and still have a fully capable and working HTPC.

It was sarcasm.
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post #138 of 839
4/15/12 at 8:25am
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by assassin View Post

It was sarcasm.

Yes I know

My Comments were more for readers than you. I know your opinion
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post #139 of 839
4/15/12 at 10:28am
Quote:
Originally Posted by assassin View Post

And if its not your main source of income its still a time bomb. And then you go to jail for something that wasn't worth the risk.

I don't think you'd go to jail for it, just fined into bankruptcy. But I wouldn't want to be the one they set a jail-time precedence for!
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post #140 of 839
4/15/12 at 11:14am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Mfusick View Post

if your choosing AMD or Intel or Nvidia or Radeon over the others for "picture quality" your a fool. There is no perceivable difference.

Must resist.... not going to... do it.
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post #141 of 839
4/15/12 at 11:55am
Quote:
Originally Posted by assassin View Post

Its interesting that when discussing the most inexpensive HTPC these are all Intel based builds.

I thought Intel is/was above and away the most expensive of the options???

Sarcasm is hard to read. I would bring up AMD Athlon 64 (you can find on eBay for around $15) and I run 1080P with an HD5670 just fine, but honestly for the price you would be better off spending more and getting a more up-to-date CPU.
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post #142 of 839
4/15/12 at 7:53pm
I will say as a person that generally roots for the underdog, I really like AMD. As a realist I will also say if they don't change their game plan soon they're f*****.
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post #143 of 839
4/15/12 at 8:44pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by Joeforsale View Post

I will say as a person that generally roots for the underdog, I really like AMD. As a realist I will also say if they don't change their game plan soon they're f*****.

AMD has basically given up the high end desktop market to Intel.

Reality is that it's not profitable to have two any more .

The phone, graphics, mobile and other markets are bigger anyways.
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post #144 of 839
4/15/12 at 8:52pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Joeforsale View Post

I will say as a person that generally roots for the underdog, I really like AMD. As a realist I will also say if they don't change their game plan soon they're f*****.

I like the underdog as well. But I am no fanboy of anything despite what some claim/think at AVS.
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post #145 of 839
4/15/12 at 9:14pm
Thread Starter 
I used to be an AMD fanboy .. But at the time I bought my E8500 core 2 duo it was clear Intel was better and the leader. Seems true since then...

AMD has not ruled in desktop CPU since socket 939
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post #146 of 839
4/16/12 at 2:24am
I have the ECS H61H2-M2(1.0) mobo on it's way to me. I had a $10 coupon so it will be $24.99 AR, plus $2.99 shipping = $27.98.

I also have 2 x 2GB G.Skill RAM coming from Newegg for $19.54 after their 15% off sale with free shipping.

It looks like there is no free shipping on that Celeron, unless I missed it. That would be an additional $7.45 for me.

So I'm leaning toward the G620 for $49.99 from Micro Center. I emailed them that I never received a $15 coupon & will see if I get a response in the next day or two.

I've previously looked at cases at Fry's, which has quite a selection, & will look at them again. Unfortunately they don't have any cheap horizontal HTPC cases. But if I'm going cheap a mini tower may just have to do.

While I'm in no hurry I don't want to miss a good deal either. I also consider shipping vs. local taxes.

Micro Center has this optical drive for $15.99
http://www.microcenter.com/single_pr...uct_id=0382272
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post #147 of 839
4/16/12 at 6:04am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Mike99 View Post

So I'm leaning toward the G620 for $49.99 from Micro Center. I emailed them that I never received a $15 coupon & will see if I get a response in the next day or two.

If you're going to MC anyhow, you can get the Celeron for $35 there.
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post #148 of 839
4/16/12 at 8:09am
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by Mike99 View Post

I have the ECS H61H2-M2(1.0) mobo on it's way to me. I had a $10 coupon so it will be $24.99 AR, plus $2.99 shipping = $27.98.

I also have 2 x 2GB G.Skill RAM coming from Newegg for $19.54 after their 15% off sale with free shipping.

It looks like there is no free shipping on that Celeron, unless I missed it. That would be an additional $7.45 for me.

So I'm leaning toward the G620 for $49.99 from Micro Center. I emailed them that I never received a $15 coupon & will see if I get a response in the next day or two.

I've previously looked at cases at Fry's, which has quite a selection, & will look at them again. Unfortunately they don't have any cheap horizontal HTPC cases. But if I'm going cheap a mini tower may just have to do.

While I'm in no hurry I don't want to miss a good deal either. I also consider shipping vs. local taxes.

Micro Center has this optical drive for $15.99
http://www.microcenter.com/single_pr...uct_id=0382272

Get the 37$ Apex case I linked earlier. It come with PSU, for $37 and fits what you want.

I have used it before with success. It's a good value if you want that form factor.
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post #149 of 839
4/17/12 at 12:42am
Mfusick,

I noticed the Apex case is 12.75 high/wide. Is that tight to work in? While I've upgraded every PC that I've had, this is a first time build for me & am concerned about the size.

I don't know how may cards will eventually end up in this HTPC, but will it handle a pair of tuner cards & a graphic card? When I did some of those PSU calculators they all came up with about 220W. If the Apex PSU has to be swapped does it use a standard size one?

Zon2020, et al,

Initially I thought about using an i3-2100 CPU. Then after reading more it seemed like the G620 would be just as good. I guess it's just a mental block against using a Celeron G530. Not to say that I can't be convinced to use a G530, but what, if any, performance hit would I take compared to the G620 if I want to use the PC for other things, such as authoring a video to DVD?
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post #150 of 839
4/17/12 at 8:04am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Mike99 View Post

Mfusick,

I noticed the Apex case is 12.75 high/wide. Is that tight to work in? While I've upgraded every PC that I've had, this is a first time build for me & am concerned about the size.

I don't know how may cards will eventually end up in this HTPC, but will it handle a pair of tuner cards & a graphic card? When I did some of those PSU calculators they all came up with about 220W. If the Apex PSU has to be swapped does it use a standard size one?

Zon2020, et al,

Initially I thought about using an i3-2100 CPU. Then after reading more it seemed like the G620 would be just as good. I guess it's just a mental block against using a Celeron G530. Not to say that I can't be convinced to use a G530, but what, if any, performance hit would I take compared to the G620 if I want to use the PC for other things, such as authoring a video to DVD?

The case he linked will take 4 low profile single-slot cards. You gotta watch the heat though. That case is about the same size as the Antec Minuet that I had a few years back. At that time the SD tuner cards could get pretty hot all stacked together like that. HD Tuners run a lot cooler though since no encoding is going on, so it may not be an issue. Be careful what graphics card you get though. BTW, you shouldn't need a graphics card unless you plan to do gaming on this machine. The i3 graphics should be fine.

BT
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